Secondary menu

You are here

Travel Diary: U.S. Stands Firmly by Side of Russian Civil Society Leaders

Interactive Travel Map | Text the Secretary AnswersSecretary Clinton recently provided remarks during a reception for civil society leaders in Moscow. The Secretary said:"We believe that Russians yearn for ...rights, just as Americans and people around the world. I have been encouraged by President Medvedev’s statements towards a more open society and his stated commitment to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. He has also acknowledged that Russia’s prosperity is dependent upon responsible governance, because stable economic development is impossible without accountable, transparent governance.

We believe that innovation and entrepreneurship can only thrive in an open society where knowledge and ideas are exchanged as freely as goods and capital. Just as competition in the marketplace fuels growth and better products, political competition produces more accountable governance and better political solutions.

These are causes that many of you have championed for years, and they are vitally important to Russia’s future. A society cannot be truly open when those who stand up and speak out are murdered and people cannot trust the rule of law when killers act with impunity. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 18 journalists have been killed in Russia since 2000 in retaliation for their work. But in only one case have the killers been convicted. When violence like this goes unpunished in any society, it’s undermining the rule of law, chills public discourse, which is, after all, the lifeblood of an open society, and it diminishes the public’s confidence and trust in their own government."

Comments

Comments

David

|

Texas, USA

October 14, 2009

David in Texas writes:

Secretary Clinton's remarks to the Russian rights group are important to them and to the U.S. Without the rule of law, and more stable relationships to the world, the Russian people will not benefit for the global growth we will experience in the next years. Furthemore, its relationship with the U.S. will continue to be something less that it might be. Applause to Secretary Clinton -- well done!